Brooks team tests at Firebird with Goncalvez

Brooks Associates Racing's much anticipated entry into the Firestone Indy Lights Championship kicked off with driver Jorge Goncalvez doing a two day test at Firebird International Raceway. "This track presented a lot of challenges to Jorge from his last Indy Lights test at Putnam. Where Putnam is a high grip, fast and flowing sort of track, Firebird is a bumpier, stop-and-start style with much less grip. We were impressed at how Jorge handled this huge variance – like a seasoned veteran." said John Brooks, team owner.

The team also brought together a variety of personnel, combining a few from the past with a few new faces. "We're still building the team, so seeing the synergy between those I have a great comfort level with and working with some others that I've known for years was really interesting. I've always found that the relationship between the driver and his engineer as well as the entire crew is really key. Our team has a very friendly, almost family environment, which many drivers find creates a comfortable jumping off point for their development." continued John. The team has a seat available for a two day test on December 6th and 7th at Sebring, joining another team.

"It's a great evaluation scenario for a driver – to see how he does with another driver on the track at the same time. We'll be finalizing our seats in early January, so this test has value for both us and the drivers." said John.

Brooks Associates Racing won the Atlantic Championship in 2008 with driver Marcus Niemela and engineer Nick Harvey. The team was also recognized during its Atlantic career as Team Owner of the Year in 2005. With over thirty years in motorsports, the teams' continuity makes it an ideal option for its inaugural Indy Lights season. The team intends to run two cars this season and will announce its new sponsorship arrangement shortly.

Drivers interested in the test day at Sebring (or to set up a private test before the black out) should contact John at jbrooksbar@gmail.com.